Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a randomized clinical trial investigating the impact of exposure to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in salt vs free-base nicotine formulations on the appeal and sensory experience of vaping. The study aims to determine if nicotine salt formulations enhance the appeal and sensory qualities of vaping, which could have implications for e-cigarette regulation.
Key Points:
* The study was a single-visit, double-blind, within-participant randomized clinical trial, with 119 participants who were current nicotine or tobacco product users.
* Participants rated puffs from e-cigarettes in nicotine salt (benzoic acid added) and nicotine free-base (no benzoic acid) formulations.
* Nicotine salt formulations resulted in higher ratings of appeal, sweetness, and smoothness, and lower ratings of bitterness and harshness.
* Nicotine formulation effects largely generalized across different flavors and the smoothness-enhancing and harshness-reducing effects of nicotine salt were stronger in never vs ever cigarette smokers.
* The study suggests that acid additives in e-cigarettes that change nicotine from free base to salt could enhance the appeal and sensory experience of vaping.
Main Message:
The study provides evidence that acid additives in e-cigarettes that change nicotine from free base to salt can enhance the appeal and sensory experience of vaping. These findings suggest that regulatory policies limiting acid additives in e-cigarettes might reduce the appeal of high-nicotine e-cigarettes among populations deterred from vaping e-cigarettes that emit harsh aerosol. The study's findings could inform regulatory decisions related to e-cigarette use and public health.
Citation
Leventhal aM, Madden DR, Peraza N, et al. Effect of Exposure to e-Cigarettes With Salt vs Free-Base Nicotine on the appeal and Sensory Experience of Vaping: a Randomized Clinical Trial. JaMa network open. 2021;4(1):1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.32757
